Powered Prosthesis for Amputation

Overseen By Noah Rubin, BA

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: North Carolina State University

Disqualifiers: Stroke, Heart disease, Ulcers, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 16

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to improve powered prosthetics for people with lower limb amputations by studying muscle control. Researchers will compare muscle activity in amputees and non-amputees during daily tasks to understand how amputees use their muscles. The findings will aid in designing better prosthesis controllers. Suitable participants are those living in the U.S. who can easily walk over obstacles like curbs and stairs and either have a lower limb amputation or no amputation. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research that could significantly enhance prosthetic technology.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this prosthesis control method is safe for amputees?

Research has shown that powered prosthetic legs are generally safe and can help people with above-knee amputations move more easily. Although some designs might need adjustments, studies indicate these devices can enhance walking. Users may feel more comfortable and confident using them. No reports of serious safety problems suggest that users widely accept the prosthetic legs. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about powered prostheses for amputations because these devices offer a dynamic alternative to traditional passive prostheses. Unlike standard prosthetic limbs, which rely solely on the user's movement, powered prostheses use motorized components to actively assist in walking and other tasks. This active assistance can lead to greater mobility and less physical exertion for the user, potentially improving quality of life. Additionally, the comparison with individuals without amputation in identical tasks could provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and limitations of these advanced prostheses.

What evidence suggests that this prosthesis control is effective for amputees?

Research has shown that powered prosthetic legs can significantly enhance mobility for individuals with above-knee amputations. This trial will have participants use both passive and powered active prostheses to evaluate their effectiveness. One study found that over 86% of users were satisfied with their powered prosthetic leg, reporting it helped them walk almost as they did before. Improved mobility can enhance quality of life, enabling amputees to be more active and independent. These devices operate by using signals from the user's muscles to control movement, providing a more natural feel. Overall, powered prosthetic legs have effectively supported people with lower limb amputations in leading active lives. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for lower limb amputees who use a prosthetic to stay active and independent. It's also for non-amputee individuals as a comparison group. The study aims to understand muscle control in both groups during various tasks.

Inclusion Criteria

Live in the United States

I can walk over curbs, stairs, and uneven surfaces without help.

Exclusion Criteria

Have any cognitive, visual, or balance impairments that affect the ability to provide informed consent or to follow instructions during the experiments

I have had a stroke.

I have heart disease.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Muscle Activation While Sitting

Participants practice muscle activation of their ankle muscles while wearing sensors measuring their muscle activity and shape.

3 sessions

3 visits (in-person)

Prosthesis Fitting

Participants undergo socket casting and fitting sessions with a powered prosthesis.

3 sessions

3 visits (in-person)

Functional Tasks

Participants perform functional tasks to practice modulating and controlling muscle activation with both passive and powered prostheses.

10 sessions

10 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after completing the functional tasks.

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Amputation
• Prosthesis Control

Trial Overview

The research focuses on comparing the muscle activity of amputated limbs with that of intact muscles in non-amputees. This will help improve how powered prostheses are controlled based on residual muscle signals.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Individuals With Amputation Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Tasks with a passive prosthesis Tasks with a powered active prosthesis

Group II: Individuals Without Amputation Active Control 1 Intervention

No Intervention Tested in identical tasks for comparison to Individuals with Amputation

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

North Carolina State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

38

Recruited

50,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The Danish Amputation Register (DAR) has been collecting comprehensive data on upper and lower extremity amputations and prosthetic fittings since 1972, with a total of about 5000 voluntary reports during its initial phase (1972-1980).

From 1978-1984, the register transitioned to receiving annual data from the National Patient Register, ensuring complete national coverage of amputations in Denmark, although with less detail than the initial phase.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Danish Amputation Register 1972-1984. Ebskov, B.[2022]

Current lower limb prostheses lack the ability to replicate the energy distribution and function of natural musculature, which is crucial for effective movement.

The proposed above-knee prosthesis incorporates a self-energized mechanism that captures and stores energy from passive movements at the knee and ankle, enabling active plantar-flexion and improving locomotion efficiency.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Active plantar-flexion above-knee prosthesis: concept and preliminary design. Rigas, C.[2017]

In a study of 87 patients who underwent amputation at Ayder Referral Hospital in Ethiopia, the most common causes were trauma (37.7%), tumors (24.1%), and peripheral arterial disease (20.7%), highlighting the need for preventive measures.

The majority of amputations were major lower limb procedures (58.6%), suggesting that improving safety awareness and encouraging early medical intervention could reduce the incidence of these potentially preventable cases.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Patterns and Causes of Amputation in Ayder Referral Hospital, Mekelle, Ethiopia: A Three-Year Experience. Gebreslassie, B., Gebreselassie, K., Esayas, R.[2022]

Active prostheses, unlike passive ones, can convert movements from other body parts into actions in the artificial limb, offering greater functionality beyond just cosmetic appearance.

Myoelectrically controlled prostheses use electrical signals from the muscles in the residual limb to control movement, providing a more intuitive and responsive experience for the user.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Prosthetic possibilities after amputations in the upper extremities]. Grüttner, B., Frohnauer, G., Burgkart, R.[2022]

In a study of 66 adults with amputations, veterans reported significantly lower levels of posttraumatic growth (PTG) compared to civilians, suggesting that veterans may need targeted support for recovery.

Participants who regularly engaged in support groups experienced significantly higher PTG scores, indicating that support group participation can enhance recovery and personal growth after amputation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Posttraumatic growth in individuals with amputations. Stutts, LA., Stanaland, AW.[2022]

Advancements in extremity prostheses, such as myoelectric prostheses and osseointegration, are transforming the experience of amputees by providing more intuitive and user-friendly devices.

Techniques like targeted muscle reinnervation not only reduce pain but also significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals who have undergone amputations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Targeted muscle reinnervation and prosthetic rehabilitation after limb loss. Mioton, LM., Dumanian, GA.[2022]

Surgeons should consider the biomechanical and design constraints of prostheses when performing amputations to ensure a better fit and function for the patient.

The abstract discusses different types of prostheses and their features, emphasizing the importance of tailoring the amputation stump to accommodate these devices for both lower and upper limb amputations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The stump and the prosthesis. Day, HJ.[2022]

A structured protocol for testing lower limb prostheses emphasizes safety, requiring users to meet specific graded safety levels before progressing to more challenging environments.

This approach aims to reduce the risk of falls and injuries, thereby enhancing user confidence and overall experience with active prosthetic legs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Design of a stepwise safety protocol for lower limb prosthetic risk management in a clinical investigation. Thesleff, A., Ahkami, B., Anderson, J., et al.[2022]

The rising prevalence of amputations has led to a demand for better prosthetic devices, as current options often lack comfort, control, and effective functional restoration, which can lead to long-term health issues like arthritis and pain.

Recent advancements in bionic prosthetics and robotic integration show promise for enhancing rehabilitation and improving the quality of life for individuals with limb loss, alongside innovative surgical techniques being explored for clinical use.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Recent advances in bioelectric prostheses. Pasquina, PF., Perry, BN., Miller, ME., et al.[2020]

The review highlights critical safety issues in the rehabilitation of adults with amputations, focusing on areas such as prosthesis use, fall risks, wound care, and pain management.

Effective communication among the multidisciplinary rehabilitation team and thorough education for patients and caregivers are essential for implementing safety measures and preventing injuries during the rehabilitation process.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Patient safety in the rehabilitation of the adult with an amputation. Latlief, G., Elnitsky, C., Hart-Hughes, S., et al.[2022]

The new robotic leg prosthesis effectively mimics the biomechanics of a biological leg while matching the weight, size, and battery life of traditional prostheses, making it more practical for daily use.

Preclinical tests with three individuals showed that this prosthesis allows for natural walking movements and includes a passive mode for unlimited walking on level ground without needing to recharge, which is a significant advancement over existing powered prosthetics.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A lightweight robotic leg prosthesis replicating the biomechanics of the knee, ankle, and toe joint. Tran, M., Gabert, L., Hood, S., et al.[2023]

The newly developed Below Knee Carbon Fibre Shaft Endo-Skeletal (BK ES CF) Prosthesis was provided to 815 amputee patients, with performance feedback collected from 500 of them.

Over 86% of patients reported satisfaction with the prosthesis, indicating it allowed them to achieve an almost normal gait, highlighting its effectiveness in rehabilitation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical Appraisal of Indigenous Below Knee Endoskeletal Carbon Fibre Prosthesis. Pithawa, AK., Singh, G., Ravindranath, G.[2020]

In a study of 510 adults aged 18-64 who underwent lower limb amputation, 443 (87%) received a prosthesis within 12 months, with an average time to receipt of 138 days, indicating a relatively timely access to prosthetic devices post-amputation.

Patients with diabetes or vascular disease received their prosthesis 22% faster than those without these conditions, while women experienced delays, receiving their prosthesis at an average of 141 days compared to 106 days for men, highlighting disparities in access based on health status and gender.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Factors that influence time to prosthesis receipt after lower limb amputation: A Cox proportional hazard model regression. Miller, TA., Paul, R., Forthofer, M., et al.[2023]

A systematic review identified 64 studies assessing health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients after amputation due to peripheral artery disease (PAD) or diabetes, highlighting the need for better evaluation tools.

Only one amputation-specific patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) was found suitable for all patients post-amputation, indicating a significant gap in well-tested, multidimensional measures that can be used for both prosthetic and wheelchair users.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Patient Reported Outcome Measures for Major Lower Limb Amputation Caused by Peripheral Artery Disease or Diabetes: A Systematic Review. Miller, R., Ambler, GK., Ramirez, J., et al.[2022]

In a study of 53 patients who underwent amputation due to peripheral vascular disease, about 75% were able to return to a useful life with the help of modern prosthetic devices or wheelchairs, indicating effective rehabilitation.

While amputation is not the preferred option compared to revascularization, the outcomes show that with current prosthetic technology, patients can achieve a good quality of life post-surgery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A critical review of amputation in vascular patients. High, RM., McDowell, DE., Savrin, RA.[2022]

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